HO Structure Kit
STEEL RAILROAD
BRIDGE TOWER
933-4554
©2015 Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. Milwaukee, WI 53218 Printed in China I-933-4554
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Thanks for purchasing this Cornerstone® kit. Please read these instructions and study the drawings before starting construction.
Allparts are styrene, so use compatible glue and paint to finish your model. As part of the Cornerstone Engineered Bridge
System, walthers.com/bridgesystem, your new model can easily be used with other Cornerstone bridges and accessories to
create a custom structure for your railroad.
Deep valleys, broad rivers, gorges and similar obstacles proved to be among the biggest challenges to early railroad builders.
Whereconstruction of a standard bridge or trestle was difficult, engineers wouldbuild a viaduct. These were originally complex
affairs made of cut stone with multiple arches supporting a deck. Later poured concrete was used, but as the steel industry
matured in the early 20th century, beams, columns and other heavy-duty construction components became readily available.
Durable and cheaper steel quickly became a popular choice for trestle bents (which can be modeled with kit #933-4555 sold
separately). Where a taller support structure was required, bents were combined in pairs with additional bracing for strength and
stability to build viaduct towers. These might be built at different heights (“stories”) to fit the terrain, but were sometimes used with
bents at the lower ends of the span, which was typically a series of all-steel plategirder deck bridges. Today, many of these sturdy
steel viaducts are still in daily railroad service. For more ideas and information on the Cornerstone Engineered Bridge System
please visit walthers.com/bridgesystem. For additional products to complete your scene, see your participating hobby dealer,
check out the latest Walthers Model Railroad Reference Book or visit us online at walthers.com.
BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION…
This kit is designed especially for use with Cornerstone Single Track Deck Girder Bridges, available in multiple lengths from 30
to 90 scale feet (kits #933-4505 to 4509, each sold separately). We suggest test fitting each tower as a subassembly directly on
your layout to determine final placement. Be sure each is level and correctly aligned before attaching thebridges and making the
final installation. With some careful kitbashing, towers of different heights can be built for uneven terrain. The lower edge of
thegusset plates on the A-Frames and Horizontal Braces can be used as a cutting guide. Cut each leg in the same spot, and care-
fully trim away the lower half of the plate.
Bent Assemblies
Make two as follows:
1) Note the raised ridges on the inside edges of
A-Frames (1) to help align cross braces. Glue both
edges of Base (4), Large (5), Medium (6) and Top
(7) Horizontal Braces to the slots between ridges
as shown.
2) PLEASE NOTE: Assemble all four Diagonal
Braces as shown (#8 & 9, 10 & 11, 12 & 13, and 14
& 15) by inserting - do not glue - parts in an
X-shape. Align the upper and lower ends of the
Diagonal Braces between the raised pegs on the
backs of each gusset plate. Adjust asneeded so
parts fit square and snug, and apply a little glue
where the Diagonal Braces meet the plates and
Horizontal Cross Braces.
3) Note the small pins and sockets on the inside to
help align the front and rear half of each A-Frame
(1). Make sure all cross braces are aligned and
glue second A-Frame in place.
4) With the rivet details facing inwards, use the
inset areas on the back to align Lacings, (4x #18
and 2x each #19 & 20) and glue to left and right
inside edge of A-Frame assembly.
